- Google has released an anti-theft feature on Android phones that would allow users to report and blocks.
- The feature will be active in Brazil starting July before reaching out to other parts of the world.
- Unlike Apple, this Google feature will work on all Android devices running version 10 or higher.
Brazil has become a testing group for Google as it is testing an anti-theft AI feature for smartphones. Rolling out in the country that has won five FIFA World Cups to date, Android users will soon get their hands on its anti-theft AI feature as a mechanism to deal with the ongoing spike in smartphone thefts.
Google tests anti-theft AI feature for smartphones
According to Reuters, the feature is now rolling out to people in Brazil. However, it will be soon released to other markets and regions based on the data received with the maiden test.
Talking about this anti-theft AI feature will have three types of screen locks. The first uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect what it tags as a ‘common movement associated with theft’. If recorded, AI will automatically lock the screen giving the burglars a run for bucks.
Another set of locks swings into action where users can simply lock their phone screens remotely using a trusted device. He/she will have to pass through security challenges before gaining remote access and locking the screens until further notice. Lastly, the third type of lock or mode is that the AI will automatically lock the phone’s screen if it is offline and disconnected from the internet for an extended period.
As of now, the feature is limited to Brazil starting as early as next month i.e., July. It will be available on all Android phones running version 10 or higher and not something Apple would’ve done otherwise.
Brazil reported one of the highest instances of smartphone thefts. In 2021, more than 1 million smartphones were stolen as per a 2023 Brazilian Public Security Yearbook. The Brazilian government launched an app to report and block stolen phones dubbed Cellular Seguro that has already seen 2 million registered users. There’s still a long way to go as there are 250 million plus smartphones in Brazil. Talking about Google’s anti-theft AI feature, it should be released across other markets soon.
